Play therapy can be enormously beneficial to children facing a wide range of psychological problems and stressful life situations. This practical volume presents a variety of play approaches that facilitate children's healing in a shorter time frame. Ideal for practitioners working within managed care, the book describes effective short-term methods for working with individual children, families, and groups. Chapters feature session-by-session guidelines and lively clinical illustrations that bring diverse techniques and theoretical orientations to life. Strategies are provided for addressing such difficulties as fears and phobias, grief, behavior problems, ADHD, and the effects of sexual abuse. Also covered are short-term interventions for teen parents and their children, children in divorced or adoptive families, and those whose families are affected by chronic illness.

Heidi Gerard Kaduson, PhD, specializes in evaluation and intervention services for children with a variety of behavioral, emotional, and learning problems. She is past president of the International Association for Play Therapy and codirector of The Play Therapy Training Institute, Inc. She has lectured internationally on play therapy, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities. Widely published, Dr. Kaduson maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Hightstown, New Jersey.

Charles E. Schaefer, PhD, a nationally renowned child psychologist, is Professor of Psychology and director of the Center for Psychological Services at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. He is director emeritus of the International Association for Play Therapy and has written or edited more than 40 books on parenting, child psychology, and play therapy. Dr. Schaefer maintains a private practice in child psychotherapy in Hackensack, New Jersey.